4

4 International
Women in Action Group provides assistance
to cancer patients in Zambia
T
he Women in Action group
in Zambia (a country in
southern Africa) has done valuable
social work. The actions are next
to the cancer patients in the largest
complex
of
treatment
of
the
disease in the country: the Hospital
Universitário de Formação (UTH,
in the acronym in English). Located
in the capital Lusaka, the place
houses more than 300 patients
among children, men and women.
The volunteers in the group work
to help those who need help the
most. For 3 years, they have been
providing social, psychological,
material support (through
donations of clothing, food,
medicines and hygiene
supplies)
and, above all, spiritual support.
They also assist family providers
with skills needed to help them
generate income.
A change in patients' lives
on how to deal with this delicate
moment of life.
"Most patients arrive
without
knowledge about the disease and
treatment. We helped clear the
doubts at this difficult time. And
above all, we bring comfort through
faith
and
Loveness Banda says.
The volunteers are with these
patients weekly. And, as a result,
they have seen how much it makes
a difference in their lives.
"Not just while in the hospital, but
even after they are
discharged,
as we continue to follow up. In
addition to supporting adult
patients, we also have practical and
recreational activities with children.
The exercise of faith has helped
them even more to alleviate pain
and endure the difficult process of
treatment,” said the volunteer.
Group of women of faith
Since its foundation in 2009 in
South Africa, idealized by Márcia
Pires, wife of Bishop Marcelo
Pires, Women in Action (a group
formed by pastors’ wives) has
carried out several projects. Just to
illustrate, some of them are meant
to raise awareness about abuse of
women and children and about the
rising incidence of cancer in the
population.
During weekly actions at the
hospital, as well as donations,
words of faith, support and
encouragement are also offered.
In addition to further clarification
"Volunteering the group is very
important and rewarding. When
we visit patients and offer the
support and attention
they so
badly need, we see how much they
encourage themselves to continue
fighting, with greater confidence. In
addition to treatment counseling,
social, emotional and psychological
support, we always carry a word of
faith and a prayer that frees and
heals," said volunteer Mhlophe
Nkambule.
prayer," volunteer
Donations
of pain and doubts about how to
overcome their problems and their
infirmities. Likewise, it was also
stressed the need to project by faith
in God and His Word a future of
success and victory.
In Zambia, the group is coordinated
by Adriana Costa, wife of Bishop
Gilson Costa, responsible for
evangelistic work in the country.
Recently, Women in Action
received the collaboration of the
IntelliMen group, coordinated by
Bishop Gilson. Thus, they have
collected donations of food baskets
with food supplement,
material, among other items.
Subsequently, everything was
delivered to patients in the men's
hospital ward, where
there
currently 60 hospitalizations.
In addition, on this day, a special
prayer was made by Bishop Gilson.
At the time, a message of faith and
awareness was sent to patients.
After all, they were in a moment
"For me as much as for my wife
the role of Women in Action has
been of great importance. Many
did not even know that they could
overcome a serious illness through
the manifestation of their own faith.
The work has been recognized by
the general management of the
hospital. Group support has helped
patients and their caregivers to
better understand the process of
treatment and recovery of both and
in every way. We show them how
important it is to remain faithful to
treatment along with faith. Which
leads to hope and encouragement
to engage in his healing. With this,
we have seen the external and
inner change in their lives," said
the Bishop.
Social work and volunteering
hygiene
are
The Universal Church has been
present in Zambia since 1995.
Today there are 5 churches across
the country and approximately
1,500 members. Women in Action
is one of the 6 groups registered
in World Cancer Control
(UICC). Consequently, Universal
appears on the world map of the
organization as an active member
in the fight against cancer.